USA > Georgia > The bench and bar of Georgia: memoirs and sketches. With an appendix, containing a court roll from 1790-1857, etc., volume I > Part 54
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We have not a word from Gen. MeIntosh relative to his progress on toward Mobile since the Governor last wrote you. We have a rumor by way of Athens, from Tennessee, that Gen. Jackson has had a battle with the British at New Orleans on the 22d December, and was success- ful. I send you the extra handbill from Athens relative to this subject. God send it may prove true !
In great haste, I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, ANTHONY PORTER.
XCI .- ANTHONY PORTER TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA, MILLEDGEVILLE, January 25, 1815.
SIR :- A wagon will start from this place early in the morning, for the purpose of conveying to you, as was mentioned by the Governor in his letter to you of this date, four hundred pounds of excellent powder, in sixteen small kegs, twenty-five pounds in each, and. seven reams of car- tridge-paper,-which is all we have on hand at present, and this but of an indifferent kind. It will, however, with judgment and care, make up a great many cartridges.
The Governor has concluded it would be acceptable to you to have a few musket-cartridges in addition to the supply which you may at pre- sent have on hand, to meet any unforeseen casualty or event. With this view, he has sent in this wagon five boxes containing 2970 in each box,- in all 14,850,-which, with what powder we have sent you, and the car- tridges you may have on hand, will be a tolerable supply, and will enable you, in case of necessity, probably to furnish any small detachment of militia which may be in the field and should stand in need of the like.
You will please direct the regimental quartermaster to give you a receipt officially, in the name of the Governor, for the whole of the articles sent you, particularizing the quantity of each, and send it back, under cover, by the wagoner, Mr. Stubbs.
I send. you enclosed a duplicate of the receipt given by the wagoner for the delivery of the articles before mentioned to your care.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant, ANTHONY PORTER, Secretary.
XCII .- A. MCDONALD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
HARTFORD, January 22, 1815.
DEAR SIR :- I understand from Mr. Armstrong that you are inter- rupted with me for not coming on last evening to your camp. I am in this case blamed without cause, in my opinion. When we parted yester- day on the road, you told me that you would expect me to do every thing in my power to furnish you with provision and forage. I then took it for granted that you did not expect to see me any more until I was ordered on from here; neither did I ever hear you say any thing about purchasing any provision on the road below this, -though, upon reflection, I conceive I did wrong, as I might have thought of the propriety of purchasing pro- vision on the road myself, and have come on to make arrangements accordingly.
455
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
I wish you to let me know whether you desire me to come on to you, to lay out what money I have in my possession, or whether you want me to continue here. I will have the boats loaded with corn in the morn- ing, and start to-morrow, if you do not direct Mr. Wilcox to wait to take in the flour.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant, ALEX. MCDONALD.
XCIII .- GEN. BLACKSIIEAR TO THE ARMY CONTRACTOR.
CAMP, BELL'S FERRY, January 27, 1815.
The contractor will furnish at St. Savilla Bluff, on the Altamaha, one hundred thousand complete rations, to carry more completely into effect my general instructions of the 22d instant, within thirty days from this notice.
By order of Brig. Gen. Blackshear : THOMAS HAMILTON, Aide-de-Camp.
XCIV .- JOHN SAWYER TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
MR. SHORTLONG'S, January 27, 1815.
DEAR GENERAL :- No doubt but that you are anxious to hear from the low country, since what you may have lately heard from that quarter.
I was down at the time of the British landing on Cumberland Island, as well as when they took Point Petre and St. Mary's surrendered to them. They promised to respect private property ; but that promise has been violated, and some of the gentry who confided in them are prisoners on board the Primrose frigate, (Major Clark and Dr. Ross in particular.) They are seducing the negroes to join them, under fair promises ; and many have accepted, and they are still going to them. All or nearly all the negroes on Cumberland Island are in training under the wretches in human form.
They appear to be proceeding on toward Darien; their ships and barks are seen off daily. I have no doubt but that they have plundered St. Simon's before this. They had plundered Jekyl before we (Mr. Chase and myself) left Darien, and burnt the buildings. Mr. Couper's family were on Cumberland Island when they first landed. He went with a flag, and endeavored to learn from them whether private property would be respected if the inhabitants did not move off. They told him it would be sacred. After that he had a conversation with a Captain Stephens, who had the candor to tell Mr. Couper that, whatever they might tell him, private property would not be sacred; that he would advise him by all means to move off his property, particularly his negroes, and tell his friends to do so.
Captain Massias has fallen back to Barrington. Col. Scott still holds on to the St. Illa with about eighty men ; and the Patriots-about sixty in number-are much on the alert. They keep up a constant correspondence with Col. Seott. Scott has intercepted some scoundrels driving beeves to the British. He took one drove from a party going to St. Mary's. I am in great hopes that Darien will be held. They have a force there of about five hundred ; and more are joining daily. Mr. Spalding has not moved any of his negroes. It was understood, but not much said about it, that his negroes exhibited signs of rebellion. Should a removal be
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attempted, you can have no idea of the distress of the low country,-every one moving their negroes that can, and many leaving every thing behind.
The idea of Woodbine was more alarming than the British, if possible; but that fear has in a great measure subsided. From the best informa- tion, Woodbine never has had more than from forty to sixty men. They have not been heard of very lately. I left Barrington on Wednesday last, where I saw people direct from the southward.
I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient and humble servant, J. SAWYER.
N.B .- Captain Massias lost one killed and two or three wounded. I saw two of the British deserters, who state that the British had two killed and several wounded.
XCV .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO GOV. EARLY.
CAMP, LITTLE OCMULGEE, SEVENTY-THREE MILES BELOW HARTFORD, Jan. 27, 1815.
SIR :- Last evening I arrived at this place with my little detachment, all in health and spirits.
It was a comfort, on the receipt of your orders, to bear down with all expe- dition, as early as possible, to check the enemy, and save as much as pos- sible the feelings and property of the flying inhabitants from the plun- der and devastation of the marauding foc. I immediately made such arrangements as would warrant the most precipitate march, if the con- tractor and quartermaster-general's department will do their duty. I wrote them immediately, and called on the contractor to keep me con- stantly furnished with thirty thousand rations in advance until the 1st of May next, except he should receive counter-orders. Not being fur- nished with a copy of his contract, I was at some loss in what manner to make my requisition; but I ordered the former requisition of Gen. J. McIn- tosh to be delivered at Hartford. These I contemplate to have furnished on my march, or at such place as may be stationed within the limits of his contract. I have, however, received no information from either of the departments, nor do I know whether they will attend to the business so as to enable me to procced by forced marches until I arrive at Barring- ton. We should have been completely out yesterday but for a boat we fell in with that had taken aların on its passage down and was about to return. I ordered the quartermaster to purchase the load. Under existing circumstances, it is impossible to coerce the contractor to his duty except I had funds to enable me to furnish when he neglected. We have been much neglected by that department in small rations. Provisions and forage might be sent down the Oconce, and for which we shall suffer' if we do not get a supply in a few days.
I should be glad to hear, as early as possible, if Gen. McIntosh sanc- tions the change of my route.
I shall be detained here to-day in getting across this rivulet; and to- morrow it is probable I shall be at Bell's Ferry. This is the last com- munication I shall be able to make, until I get some paper, as I am now quite out.
XCVI .- GEN. FLOYD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
SAVANNAH, January 31, 1815.
SIR :- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th instant, and to express the gratification it afforded me to learn the route and progress of your march.
457
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
The enemy, after pillaging St. Mary's and destroying the fort and maga- zine at Point Petre, evacuated these points on the 24th, and withdrew to the island of Cumberland, having seized all the vessels of the citizens in the waters of the St. Mary's, without regard to the sovereignty of his Catholic majesty or the rules of neutrality. Neither afforded protection to American property.
It is pretty well ascertained that their force amounts to two thousand men, of which number four hundred are said to be black. The whole of our ordnance-stores and the baggage of Captain Massias's detachment fell into the hands of the onemy, who, it is believed, meditate an attack upon this city after, if not before, the fate of Orleans is decided,-a circum- stance which must ere this have taken place.
Indeed, their designs against our State are derived from a source which seems to place the certainty beyond a doubt : it therefore becomes the imperious duty of those who have the direction and control of the ener- gies of the State to breast against the impending storm, which, from its threatening aspect, had elicited the exercise of the discretion delegated to me to augment our numerical force to such numbers as would make the result of an assault as it ought to be.
The impression, however, that the enemy have not as yet received reinforcements has induced General Pinckney (who is now here) to dis- pense with the services of Gen. Byne's brigade, with the exception of three hundred volunteers drawn from Augusta, Burke, and Jefferson counties, under the conviction that the direction which has been given to your command, and one thousand men held in requisition from South Carolina, would afford a force competent to meet present emergencies.
Three companies, in addition to some local militia, are stationed at Darien, amounting in number to about three hundred and fifty men. Captain Massias, with his command, is at Barrington, and Col. Scott, with about ninety men, at the Great St. Illa, near Jefferson.
As your command has been included in the calculation of the means of defence to be given to the seaboard and Indian frontiers, you will readily perceive the necessity of giving me the earliest notice of any extraordi- nary detention or change in the route now contemplated. As you will probably cross the Altamaba at Barrington, I shall, on your arrival there, communicate to you more fully the arrangements in view : in the mean time, I shall be happy to reciprocate an unreserved correspondence.
Knowing that you breathe my own sentiments as respects our country and its enemies, it will at all times afford me pleasure to unite my efforts to promote the interests of the one and the discomfiture of the other.
In your next, be pleased to acquaint me with the strength of your com- mand, prospects of provisions, and the probable period of your arrival at Barrington.
That we may both be instrumental in preserving the interests of our country, and prove worthy of the confidence reposed in us, is the sincere wish of one who has the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN FLOYD, Brigadier-General.
XCVII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO GEN. FLOYD.
CAMP, 118 MILES BELOW HARTFORD, February 2, 1815.
DEAR SIR :- It is with no inconsiderable pleasure that I have the honor to inform you that, on my march fifteen miles from this place, I this
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day received yours of the 31st, -but am extremely sorry to have to state, that from the great number of small streams bordered by extensive swamps, rendered almost impassable by the multitude of wagons flying from the horrors of invasion and insurrection, my march to Barrington is much retarded, and I fear I shall thereby fall short of your expectations, and perhaps fail to enjoy an opportunity of rendering to our distressed fellow- citizens that speedy relief and security so anxiously desired.
My solicitude to attain the point of destination is much increased by the certainty you express of the enemy's designs against this State ; but, should no unfortunate event interfere to impede my progress, I presume I shall be able to reach Barrington on the evening of Saturday next, at which time I hope to be ready to receive from you advices concerning the arrangements.
At this time the effective force of my command is a little above eight hundred, officers included ; but I expect a gradual augmentation to the number of nine hundred. My sick and convalescent, left at Hartford on the receipt of his Excellency's order, are beginning again to join the detachment, while new cases of disease are becoming extremely rare.
Immediately on the receipt of orders, turning my course toward the seaboard, I ordered the contractor forthwith to furnish, at Hartford, thirty thousand rations previously required to be about that time deposited at that place. Of this, however, I have consumed a part, but have on hand at this time about fourteen days' rations.
As soon as I was apprized of a place at which I should probably be able to make deposit, I made a requisition on the contractor for one hundred thousand complete rations to be delivered at St. Savilla Bluff. This supply I hope to receive in time to meet the exhaustion of what provision I have at present on hand. Of forage there is indeed a scarcity; but I nevertheless have a hope that I shall be supplied.
Unless emergencies demand the contrary, I contemplate remaining at Barrington a few days, with a view to the restoration and improvement of the strength and spirits of my troops, and for the inspection of my arms and ammunition, as well as for the rearing of a few temporary buildings for the reception of public stores, &c.
XCVIII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO CAPT. A. A. MASSIAS.
CAMP, 132 MILES BELOW HARTFORD, February 4, 1815.
Gen. Blackshear has the honor to inform Capt. Massias that the detach- ment under his command will arrive this evening at Barrington, and also that a gentleman of high respectability arrived in camp last evening with the pleasing intelligence that on Monday last a feu-de-joie of nineteen guns was fired at Fort Hawkins in celebration of the signal victory gained over the British, by General Jackson, at New Orleans. The report is that Gen. Jackson killed one thousand dead, and took five hundred prisoners, with only the loss of twenty men. Too good to be entirely true, I fear. Gloria Dei ! Gloria Jacksoni !
By order of Brigadier-General Blackshear :
THOS. HAMILTON,
Aide-de-Camp.
459
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
XCIX .- GEN. FLOYD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
DARIEN, February 6, 1815.
(Division Orders.)
Brigadier-General Blackshear will, on the receipt of this order, relieve the troops stationed at this place under the command of Major King, making Barrington his head-quarters, where he will cause to be erected houses for provisions, as the principal depot in this quarter.
In placing troops in the neighborhood of Darien, Gen. Blackshear will take a view of the different points capable of being approached, and post the detachment accordingly, keeping out pickets to guard against sur- prise. Boats and crafts of every description will be placed in some secure and commanding situation, unless their owners will be responsible for their safe-keeping.
Major King, on being relieved, will immediately take up his line of march and proceed to Camp Covington, where he will report himself on his arrival. The returning provision-wagons will furnish transportation for the detachment's baggage.
Captain James Hamilton's company of artillery will resume their com- mand at Sunbury, taking with them the artillery belonging to that place.
Major Hopkins will discharge the local militia under his command, taking care to hold them in readiness to co-operate with the detachment at Darien, or at any other point, as circumstances may require. The detachment furnished at Darien by Gen. Blackshear will take charge of the two pieces of ordnance, which will not be removed unless emergencies should make it necessary.
The detachment of regulars under Capt. Massias will, as soon as they are supplied with provisions and ammunition, hold themselves in readi- ness to march southwardly.
Gen. Blackshear will communicate all important information to head- quarters at Savannah.
By order of Brigadier-General John Floyd, commanding 1st Division Georgia militia. THOS. BOURKE,
Aide-de-Camp.
C .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA, February 8, 1815.
SIR :- I have not heard from you since you crossed the Oconee River, but presume you are by this time about Fort Barrington. I believe I have not, in any of my former letters, directed you expressly to report yourself to General Floyd; but I presume you have communicated with him in such way as to answer the same purpose. I have written to Gen. Pinckney at Savannah fully on the subject of your situation, and expect an answer to-morrow.
By a letter from Major-General McIntosh, dated at the Tallapoosa River on the 28th ultimo, I have been assured that he most fully approves of the orders which were given you to march toward the seaboard. He was to move the next morning for Mobile.
Should orders or instructions be sent you by Gen. Pinckney or Gen Floyd, you will of course conform to them. Indeed, it is to be expected that you may have received such immediately on your opening a commu- nication with the latter officer.
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MEMOIR OF GENERAL
I enclose you a newspaper, by which you will discover that General Jackson is making glorious havoc of the enemy at New Orleans.
I have the honor to be, with high respect, your obedient servant,
PETER EARLY.
CI .- ANTHONY PORTER TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
MILLEDGEVILLE, February 8, 1815.
DEAR SIR :- On the 31st of January, I wrote a letter to you with a view of sending it immediately after : being disappointed, however, it has remained in the office ever since. I have now an opportunity, and have concluded to send it to you.
I send enclosed some commissions for officers in your detachment of militia in the room of Capt. Lee, &e. from Wilkinson.
The Governor writes you by this conveyance, and has sent the last Georgia Journal, which will, I believe, give you all the information we have at this place at present.
In haste, I am, dear sir, your very obedient servant,
ANTHONY PORTER.
CII .- MAJOR-GENERAL PINCKNEY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
(General Orders.)
HEAD-QUARTERS, SIXTH MILITARY DISTRICT, SAVANNAH, February 8, 1815.
In all cases where bacon is issued to troops as a part of the rations, nine ounces will be the proportion of cach ration in lieu of beef or pork.
The quartermaster's department and contractor will be prepared to fur- nish to troops, to be stationed at Brearly, Montgomery, and White Bluff, whatever is allowed by law or regulations in their respective departments.
(Order of February 9, 1815.) In all cases where persons (other than soldiers) are arrested by military authority for contravention of the laws, or suspicion of treason or illegal practices, affidavits must be taken of the facts alleged, and transmitted with the prisoners to the officer commanding the troops of the United States in the State where the arrest takes place. The prisoners, with the affidavits and evidence, will be referred to the United States District Attorney, except in cases cognizable by military law only, when they are to be brought before a military tribunal.
By order of Major-General Pinckney, commanding military district No. 6 :
MARK HARDIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General State Troops U. S. service.
CIII .- GEN. FLOYD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
SAVANNAH, February 12, 1815. (Division Order.)
Brigadier-General Blackshear will, on the receipt of this order, furnish from his command one full company, who will join a detachment of local militia under the command of Major Hopkins, for the purpose of pre- occupying Sapelo Island in order to repel any hostile attempt of the enemy. A voluntary tender of service for the accomplishment of this object would be preferred, and, it is believed, will be afforded with alacrity, on the condition that Major Hopkins will furnish a competent number of men to navigate the boats to be employed, and act as pilots, by water and land, taking care to furnish the whole detachment with at least eight or
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DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
ten days' provisions. The continuance of the troops on Sapelo will be regulated by circumstances, or augmented as General Blackshear in his judgment may think proper.
JOHN FLOYD, Brigadier-General.
CIV .- GEN. FLOYD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
SAVANNAHI, February 12, 1815.
DEAR GENERAL :- It is confidently believed, by the best-informed persons here, that the preliminaries of peace were signed at Ghent by the contending parties, on the 24th of November, and that the official account of it will soon reach us, although it would be unwise and impolitic to rely on its probability ; yet it has considerably lessened the expectations of an attack on this place.
It is nevertheless believed that the enemy will, in the mean time, be more vigilant in the prosecution of their predatory warfare where it can be effected without much risk. The greater exertion on our part becomes necessary to counteract their mischievous designs. Therefore, if Major Hopkins will furnish a suitable number of his militia who are acquainted with the management of boats, I think the contemplated expedition will, if properly managed, be productive of beneficial effects, without encoun- tering much risk.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN FLOYD, Brig. Gen.
CV .- MAJOR-GENERAL PINCKNEY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
HEAD-QUARTERS, SIXTH MILITARY DIVISION, SAVANNAHI, February 13, 1815. (General Orders.)
Colonel Boote, Inspector-General United States army, will proceed to have mustered, as expeditiously as possible, the following militia troops called into the service of the United States,-viz. :
First regiment, commanded by Col. Johnson, now at Savannah.
Three volunteer companies front Augusta, one from Seriven, one from Jefferson, and one from Burke.
A company of second regiment, now at Hardwick.
One company of artillery, commanded by Capt. Hamilton, now at Sunbury.
A detachment of 30th regiment under Col. Scott, now at the St. Illa.
Two troops of dragoons and two companies of riflemen of South Caro- lina, ordered to report to the officer commanding troops of the United States in Savannah.
One regiment and one battalion of South Carolina infantry, ordered to rendezvous at the Two Sisters' Ferry.
The drafted militia will be mustered in the same proportion of com- missioned and non-commissioned officers and privates as obtain in the regular service,-the volunteers, serving as such, in the same proportion that obtain in the laws of the States to which they respectively belong.
By command of Major-General Pinckney : MARK HARDIN, Assistant Adjutant-General.
CVI .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO GEN. FLOYD.
CAMP NEAR DARIEN, February 13, 1815.
SIR :- Ever since you left this place, we have been in a constant state of alarm, and the principal inhabitants remonstrating against my leaving
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this station. I have therefore, agrecably to your orders, explored the passes through which this place is most accessible, and pickcted them ; and immediately on your departure I despatched one full company to Barrington in addition to those already there, to build houses for the deposit of provisions, and to protect that post.
Last Thursday, a party of the British ran up and landed at Mr. Brails- ford's, south of this, broke the house and trunks, and carried off some clothing. They then went over to Broten Island, broke and plundered the house. Immediately on gaining this intelligence, I detached a party to Broten and the intermediate islands, who waited in ambush one day and night, in hopes that they would make a second visit, but made no dis- covery, only of a boat from Amelia.
I have just heard from St. Simon's by a gentleman of high respect- ability, who states the force of the enemy there to be a small plundering party, who are getting all the negroes they can entice, and large numbers are going off the main to them. I have just passed an order for the security or destruction of all the small boats and canocs between this and Brunswick, to prevent the blacks from going off en masse. They are con- tinually going to and returning from the enemy. I have received advice that they sent a boat, piloted by a negro, to cut off the picket on the General's Island, but failed in consequence of the pilot missing his way. Independent of this, we have citizens now in Darien who not only justify the enemy, but openly abuse the American Government, and endeavor to induce them to believe that they will never get pay for their services, that our Government is bankrupt, and a number of like expressions calculated to excite sedition or mutiny. I am anxious to have these men, and all suspected characters, arrested ; but, being aware of the privileges allowed, I am at a loss what mode to pursue. I should be glad, therefore, if you would fully point out to me what line of conduct I ought to pursue in such cases.
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